The Barbie movie, ‘Barbenheimer,’
The Barbie Movie, ‘Barbenheimer,’ has gone stratospheric at the box office, with the Tom Hooper film grossing more at the weekend than even Avengers: Endgame. The film, which is often misunderstood due to assumptions about its subject matter, has found massive success in part because it subverts the usual expectations. Rather than telling a story about World War 2 or the bomb, it focuses on the life of one man, Oppenheimer, and his regret.
Often criticized for being anti-men, Barbie is perhaps one of the few major female characters in the current film landscape who is allowed to be flawed. The criticism for the Barbie movie stems from a misinterpretation of the film’s message. While Barbie Land does exist as a place where Barbies dominate and Kens are overwhelmingly overshadowed, the plot revolves around this fantasy. It is rudely interrupted by the real world, where Barbie and Ken both recognize that the world is imperfect and that they don’t fit into it.
Many have reduced Ken’s character to that of a figure of fun, but the Barbie movie highlights the importance of finding one’s place in the world for all three central characters: Barbie, Ken, and Gloria. In many ways, Barbie’s journey is one of self-discovery, but Ken’s is too. It’s not just Barbie who learns to accept herself, but Ken is given the chance to do the same.
His character development shows that he is enough on his own, without needing to be attached to Barbie. The film critiques societal power systems, explores gendered fantasies, and doesn’t seem to be anti-men. Barbie and Ken both recognize that the world is imperfect and that they don’t fit into it.
Rather than belittling men, the movie encourages individuals to be true to themselves, focusing on women’s struggles while still highlighting men’s issues. Barbie offers a unique perspective by centering on women’s struggles in a world dominated by movies about men. The film does not belittle men but challenges the societal roles cast upon both men and women. The moral of the story is to embrace one’s true self, regardless of societal expectations.
The movie stands out among the current films, addressing themes of violence, power, and societal judgment. It provides a refreshing take on gender dynamics and serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by men in the society they have built.
If you’ve yet to see the film, check out our Barbie and Ken review to get an idea of what to expect. While the characters may have a few imperfections, it’s still a must-watch.
